Early settlers actually flocked to the area west of Colorado Springs in an area called Manitou Village, now Manitou Springs, named after the great Indian spirit, Manitou.

By the mid-1800's, Colorado City grew east of Manitou and became a gathering place for gold prospectors. Colorado City, now know as Old Colorado City, was a rowdy area in contrast to the quieter Colorado Springs. After the Civil War, General William Palmer was instrumental in establishing Colorado Springs by linking it with Denver via his Denver-Rio Grande railroad. Palmer envisioned Colorado Springs as a resort town with its mountain splendor, sunshine, dry climate and mineral springs.The area grew as homesteaders settled the region. Towns sprouted up on the prairie and in the foothills including Monument, Palmer Lake along the train route to the north; Falcon, Peyton and Calhan to the east; and Fountain Valley to the south.

Another name as well known as General Palmer is Spencer Penrose. In 1915, Penrose built the road to the top of Pikes Peak. That was followed by construction of the 5-star rated Broadmoor Hotel, the zoo and Will Roger's Shrine to the Sun.